 While that all sounds like a great way to start the summer, the
national holiday and its origin has slowly been losing its intended
purpose.First called Decoration Day, the day was established
after the Civil War to commemorate the lives of soldiers who died in
service. The practice of decorating soldiers' graves on May 30 each
year was continued with reverence following World War I and II.
Setting the day aside for remembrance is not only fitting, but it
also strengthens us as individuals. When we have respect for those
who in battle paid the ultimate sacrifice of life, it strengthens us
as a country.
Logan County residents and visitors have the opportunity to put
patriotic significance into their Memorial Day observance with any
of several enjoyable activities scheduled that day.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., American Legion Post 263 will host a
time-honored traditional service with color guard and rifle squad
ceremonies. Paul Beaver will be guest speaker. The 45-minute program
will be followed by a ham and bean lunch. All activities will be at
the American Legion located off Fifth Street, behind the bowling
alley.
Moving this year's Airport Daze to Monday, May 30, Heritage In
Flight Museum is taking a fresh approach with activities scheduled
from noon to 9 p.m. at the Logan County Airport.
The day begins with the popular Young Eagles program: free
airplane rides for kids ages 8-17 from noon to 2 p.m.
The afternoon program begins at 2 p.m. and includes the
historical aspects of WWII, demonstrations, ceremonies and period
songs led by Julie King accompanied by Eleanor Gunderson, as well as
airport and aviation information and special presentations.
Ceremonies honoring today's soldiers and veterans begin at 2:30 p.m.
Watch planes come in for a fly-in and drive-in barbecue
fundraiser scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. For just $5, have a delicious
shredded barbecue pork sandwich, chips and the Springfield Civil Air
Patrol will offer drink. Join the chow line, sit in the mess tent
and eat side by side with war heroes, pilots, friends and neighbors.
Then stick around for the highlight of the day, Heritage In
Flight's first finger-snapping, skirt-swishing, fast-stepping USO-style
hangar dance. The dance sponsor, Chuck Holzwarth's Flying Service,
is bringing in the fabulous Jim Markum Swing Band. The 11 musicians
plan to blast the roof off the HIF hangar with the best music of the
'40s and '50s from 6 to 9 p.m.
An authentic World War II warbird, the SNJ flown in by Clyde
Zellers, will be available for viewing. Zellers will also
accommodate the adventurous with paid rides: sightseeing for $150
and aerobatic for $300. What a great Father's Day gift this would
make. Call 217-299-1799 to reserve a flight.
Other entertainment that adults might enjoy includes sashaying
around the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club vintage vehicles as they
roll onto the taxiway of the Logan County Airport.
Kids can learn more of what it would have been like to be a World
War II soldier from re-enactor Arthur Avery as he demonstrates what
went in a backpack.
Young or old, all will enjoy watching sometimes graceful swoops,
other times edgy, fighter-like remote-controlled aircraft in flight.
[to top of second column] |
In addition to the museum, hangar and outdoor static line
displays, a number of visitors will provide displays and information
set up in tents. Subjects include veteran interests, aviation
college education, military interests, health matters, tourist sites
and more.
Reasonably priced food and refreshments will be available all
day.
This year's Airport Daze sponsors also include the Abraham
Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, Curt Fox, the Logan County
Board and the American Legion.
Heritage In Flight invites you to come join them as they
respectfully remember those who sacrificed their lives, as well as
honor the soldiers and veterans attending the celebration.
All are welcome to this all-day free event. Bring a lawn chair
and sit a spell, or stay all day and enjoy the Logan County Airport
at its finest.
All these activities will be at the Heritage In Flight Museum and
hangar at the Logan County Airport, 1351 Airport Road, Lincoln.
For more information, call 217-828-0650 or 217-732-7443.
Mount Pulaski events
Mount Pulaski will conduct three services on Memorial Day -- at
Mount Pulaski Cemetery at 10 a.m.; Vonderlieth Living Center, 11
a.m.; and Steenbergen Cemetery, 11:30 a.m.
Beginning at 11:30 in the Mount Pulaski Legion Hall, there will
be a luncheon provided by the Mount Pulaski 175th Committee for all
Memorial Day participants and attendees. A free-will donation bucket
will be available.
At 3 p.m., there will be a free Civil War instrumental music
concert at the Mount Pulaski Courthouse bandstand.
[Text from news release from
Heritage In Flight Museum and Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County]
 |
